Catholic Church 1903

Catholic Church 1903

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Court Street in 1903 Belfast.  In 1835 William S. Brannigan arrived in Belfast. He was the leading Catholic in Belfast at the time and became the parish's earliest and most important benefactor.  In 1878 Mr. Brannigan donates a parcel of land on Court Street upon which to build a church. The construction began on the church in 1891. Mr. Brannigan covered the cost of the building and the parishioners payed for the furnishings. It was dedicated by Bishop Healy on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1891. Construction of the rectory began, finished and was occupied the following year.